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About Alberta Home Visitation Network Association (AHVNA)
The Alberta Home Visitation Network Association is a provincial non-profit society that promotes quality home visitation programs. Incorporated as a society in 2001 and received charitable status in April 2005. AHVNA is a member-driven organization comprised of interested individuals, community based agencies, home visitation programs, Child and Family Service Authorities and Regional Health Authorities. AHVNA is funded through Alberta Children's Services and the Muttart Foundation.
The association promotes best practices and standards through
- Sharing of information on training opportunities
- Providing networking opportunities
- Creating forums for members to have input on relevant issues
Background
The Alberta Home Visitation Network Association was formed in 1998-99 after two "Creating Healthy Families" conferences were held in the province. Participants at these conferences wanted to provide a forum to encourage the development and integrity of voluntary, long-term home visitation programs as a way of assisting families with children aged zero to six years. This would be accomplished through the establishment of a provincial resource center that would link all home visitation programs in the province.
In 1999, a group of interested representatives, from community-based agencies and home visitation programs, met on a regular basis to share information about the home visitation programs in their communities and to discuss concerns about program development and delivery. It was felt that, while the meetings provide valuable networking, a provincial association and an information resource centre would better meet the needs of home visitation programs across the province. The group decided to formalize the provincial association structure, develop key areas of work, establish a provincial resource centre and hire a coordinator.
AHVNA Vision
"Families in Alberta provide their children with a healthy beginning."
AHVNA Mission
To support the provision of quality, voluntary, home visitation programs in Alberta that focus on the health and well-being of families with children 0-6 yrs of age.
Guiding Principles
We believe that by coming together, service to families will develop more effectively and families will benefit.
We believe that every family in Alberta should have access to home visitation programs.
We believe that a healthy beginning for every child is supported by home visitation as an intervention.
We believe in providing an inclusive organization where all voluntary home visitation programs for families with children 0-6 in the province may be belong.
We believe in being independent to effectively advocate for home visitation programs.
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